Olivier named one of NOJHL's 3 Stars

It may well be the season for giving, but a pair of NOJHL puckstoppers who have “taken away” scoring attempts from opposition snipers grabbed the highlight recently. The cross-border tandem of John Kleinhans and Michael Doan earned accolades as the NOJHL Three Stars of the Week are announced.

JOHN KLEINHANS (Soo Eagles): The month of December has been kind to 19 year old netminder John Kleinhans, who did not surrender more than three goals against in any of his five outings. The native of Sterling Heights (Michigan) recently earned first star of the game honours in back to back contests, leading the Eagles past both the Thunderbirds and Royals.

Now in his second year with the Soo (Michigan) team, Kleinhans’ recent streak has dropped his goals against average to 3.40, a notable improvement from the 3.83 GAA he sported at the conclusion of the 2009-2010 campaign.


JAMIE OLIVIER (North Bay Trappers): The return of a healthy Jamie Olivier to the lineup was just the kind of Christmas gift that North Bay coach Ian Swalucynski could hope for. The local product, who suited up with the Huntsville Otters last year, jumped back into the swing of things after missing the better part of a month due to an injury.

In three games, Olivier picked up five points, helping the Trappers win their final two games heading into the holiday break. Olivier is a second generation Trapper, following in the footsteps of his father Perry, who suited up with the team back in the 1970’s.


MICHAEL DOAN (Soo Thunderbirds): Goaltender Michael Doan picked up a win and a loss in his two most recent outings, despite recording a sparkling save percentage of more than 95.6%.

Doan turned aside 66 of the 69 shots he faced, producing a shutout against Temiscaming just one day after being on the wrong end of an scintillating goaltending duel with the afore-mentioned John Kleinhans.

Doan leads all NOJHL netminders in minutes played and wins, and sits third in the race for the lowest goals against average, finishing the first half season at 3.08